The most-precious thing about motherhood or being a mother is that you nurture a little life. Indeed, it comes with the joy of feeding a life that’s just come out from your body, has the muscles your body gave him/her, and now you have the power to make this little human into a whole grown-up. Undeniably, being a mother is a blessing & feeding the tiny one is another. But, at times just like other motherhood spheres give so much stress, breastfeeding can also be a draining one.
Perhaps, the self-doubt chances can juggle up your mind & the saturation point of thoughts intersecting with each other is sure to happen. Hence, as a mother & especially a new one you will number of times question yourself- am I able to feed enough breast milk to my baby? Is my baby getting enough breastfed? Momma just chill! It’s all-natural to happen & nothing to stress about- just have your Nutri bowl & this written aid alongside to acquire some feeding facts.
Top Signs that your baby is getting enough milk-
There are days when you would think how do I know I’m breastfeeding enough? And it’s obviously something that your child’s eating cues will answer you. So, here are the top signs that tell if your child is getting enough breast milk or not-
- Your new-born opens their mouth wide
- While for the initial sucks it will be a little hard, however, if it isn’t painting your nipples, then everything is positive
- The darker the skin around the nipples- then the better you are feeding
- If your baby’s chin is touching the breast & the lower lip is moved down
- The baby starts feeding with a couple of quick sucks & swallows with pauses at regular intervals
- The pink cheeks should stay rounded, rather than being hollow
- You can hear the sound of swallowing & sucking
- Your baby leaves the breast when done & their mouth is moist after the feed
- They feel relaxed when fed & your breasts feel softer after each fed session
- You feel sleepy after feeding & your nipples are almost the same before and after the feed
- After 2 weeks of breastfeeding- your child is steadily gaining weight
- The new-born is healthy & awake
- They are pooping appropriately (can consult the paediatrician in any unfavourable case)
- There are almost 5-6 wet diapers after the 5th week & it may get normalize with 2-3 diapers after 2 days
TIP- Testing through the baby’s poop & diaper change frequency is one way. However, if there’s any parallel event with these signs, you may contact the paediatrics as there are other possible reasons why your child isn’t pooping well.
Factors Affecting Breast milk Supply-
While you may be eating well enough to lactate appropriately & still not able to produce enough amount of breast milk, then here are the factors affecting your breast milk supply-
- You’re smoking & consuming alcohol
- Not appropriate to position yourself while feeding
- Had a previous breast surgery, primarily affected on nipples
- Not able to feed enough
- Have been distant with the new-born for a couple of days or months (cases of premature birth)
- Prolonged illness after delivery- for both child & momma
- Feeding additionally on bottled milk or formula-fed
- Facing stress & depression after delivery
- Having been on medications for a long or taking a lot of medicines
- Not eating appropriate meals/diets
IMPORTANT TIP- In any case of doubt that crosses your mind in the initial stage of motherhood- then it is essential to seek professional medical help. Whether it is about the child or yourself, visiting the paediatrician & OB-Gynec for respective bits of help can help you sort out issues.
To The Bottom Line-
Motherhood may at the times seem to be hard & you will see it as a stiff battle to fight. Of course, being a mother isn’t a cakewalk & it’s draining you physically, emotionally, and psychologically. But, what keeps you up is the constant positive affirmations. Be gentle to yourself & embraced each little step of this journey.
Happy & Healthy Motherhood!
